preview

Gender Roles in Television Essay

Good Essays

Introduction
It is often said that the media and the arts are an accurate reflection of any given community. This is especially true in American pop-culture, where television shows depict the various stereotypes attributed to men and women and the roles they play in society. House, a highly popular medical drama that revolves around Dr. Gregory House and his diagnostic team, is a particularly good example as it represents the true state of the traditional gender roles in American culture today by, both, redefining and reinforcing them over the course of the show.

In "Big Baby," the thirteenth episode of the current season, the show highlights these gender roles by centering on the effects the recent adoption of Rachel has had on Dr. …show more content…

In Gender Role Behaviors and Attitudes, Aaron Devor sheds light on this stereotype:
Feminine characteristics are thought to be intrinsic to the female facility for childbirth and breast-feeding. Hence, it is popularly believed that the social position of females is biologically mandated to be intertwined with the care of children and a 'natural' dependency on men for the maintenance of mother-child units."

Dr. Cuddy's confusion and fears over raising her adopted daughter indicates a significant shift from this centuries-old stereotype ascribed to women — a radical redefinition of traditional gender roles.

Mr. Sensitive
However, this redefinition is not limited to women alone. Dr. Wilson is perhaps the most diplomatic, sensible, and level-headed character in the entire show as he constantly strives to broker a truce between the clashing personalities of Dr. Cuddy and Dr. House.

In this episode, he reveals his emotional and sensitive side as he attempts to console a tearful Dr. Cuddy who was struggling with maternity. He returns to her house later on in the episode and attempts to cheer her up by bringing Dr. Cuddy an age-enhanced photograph of a teenage Rachel. He tries to get her to understand that the motherly love develops over time. He then admits that the photograph came with the frame and was not Rachel.

Dr. Wilson's genuine

Get Access